There are basically two methods of egg collection. One is through the abdomen using a laparoscope as a guide. The other is through the vagina, using ultrasound for guidance. The former is carried out under a general anaesthetic, the latter either under general anaesthetic or sedation. The method of egg collection will depend on three things. One is the doctor's preference and particular skill. There may be clinical reasons for opting for one method over the other. If the ovaries are very difficult to reach, or very mobile, laparoscopy and general anaesthetic may be safer and provide better results. If the woman has a lot of internal adhesions, ultrasound and transva¬ginal egg collection could be more successful. The decision can also be dictated by patient choice, although usually this will be limited to use of general anaesthetic or sedation. Women being treated under the NHS do not normally get a choice. Usually their egg collections are carried out under sedation - both because it is cheaper and because the doctors cannot guarantee that they will get access to the operating theatres at the right moment, timing being crucial for success. At private clinics women will usually get a choice, and many opt for general anaesthetic - despite the good reports that are given of sedation.